Deep tissue massage is a wonderful and rejuvenating massage technique that can be used to ease muscle pains or exercise-related aches. The benefits of deep tissue massage are numerous. They include pain relief, relaxation, increased circulation, and decreased inflammation.
Here’s a look at what a deep tissue massage is and its benefits, any after-effects that you may experience, and how it compares to different types of massage.
What is deep-tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type that uses deep pressure. Slow strokes combined with noticeable finger pressure are used to release tension and tightness deep within your muscles and connective tissues.
Deep tissue massages are designed to target the most painful areas. These areas include the back, neck, shoulders and buttocks. It can also be used on the arms and feet in cases like tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis. The increased pressure can help to reduce any soreness, imbalance, or tenseness that may result from injury or tenseness. Deep tissue massage can be helpful for those suffering from anxiety or stress.
A deep tissue massage can last from 60 minutes to 90 mins. It is an intense massage technique, but you shouldn’t experience any pain.
Deep tissue massage benefits
Deep tissue massage benefits can be used for both mental and physical well-being. Most massages are focused on relaxation. These benefits are not only available with deep tissue massages, but they also help you to reduce stiffness and aches. These are the main benefits of deep-tissue massage:
- Pain relief: Whether you’re struggling with a sports injury, living with plantar fasciitis, or have a chronic condition such as sciatica or fibromyalgia, deep tissue massage can bring pain relief. Evidence shows that massage is a powerful pain reliever.
- Healing: The increased blood flow stimulated by the massage works to help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing of injuries.
- Lower blood pressure Studies have shown that massage can help to lower your blood pressure.
- Improved flexibility: Deep tissue massage can help increase the range of movement in tight muscles. This will allow for safer workouts and better performance.
- Relaxation: Massage is a well-being wonder, and deep tissue massage has the same relaxing benefits. The massage boosts the body’s release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins ensuring you feel blissfully relaxed.
- Aids to sleep: As well as helping you sleep better due to pain relief, a deep tissue massage can have a soporific effect later on due to the natural injection of serotonin your body receives.
- Remove scar tissue A deep tissue massage can be helpful for those with large or prominent scars. It will release tension and allow the fascia to move freely.
Deep tissue massage aftereffects
Deep tissue massage can be most beneficial if you have regular massages over a time period. Sometimes, however, you may just need a single massage to relieve troublesome knotty shoulders.
You can expect to feel tender after a deep tissue massage. You shouldn’t feel active pain, and if you do, you should discuss this with the massage therapist.
Many clients report that they feel the most after-effects of deep tissue massages are sleepiness and thirst. We recommend booking a deep tissue massage at home so that you can drink some water and have a nap, or go to bed, soon afterward.
It’s not unusual to get a headache after a deep tissue massage or even to feel slightly nauseous. This is caused by toxins in your system. Relax, drink lots of water, and you’ll feel the effects lessen.
Deep pressure releases hormones that can improve mood.
Some of these after-effects are ‘good’ and some may feel a little worrisome. Deep tissue massage is safe and can be used safely by most people. It is best to avoid deep-tissue massage if you have osteoporosis or clotting issues. Once any side effects are gone, you can expect to reap the rewards. Knowing what to do after a deep-tissue massage can be helpful.
What do you do after a deep-tissue massage?
There are some things that you can do to make the massage more effective.
- Get plenty of fluids After a massage, drink lots of water. This will help you hydrate and flush out toxins. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Get healthy: It’s quite normal to feel a bit hungry after a massage. A healthy fruit salad or a nutritious rainbow combination salad with protein is a good option.
- Take a relaxing bath If you’re feeling a little tender then a warm bath can help. An ice pack can be beneficial if an injury area feels sore.
- Relax and rest: Take a break, or take a rest. This will allow your muscles to relax. Don’t head straight out to do sport or exercise, but leave at least 24 hours so that your body benefits from the massage.
Different types of deep tissue massage
The massage therapist will target the areas that you are struggling with. A comprehensive massage is possible. Although techniques may vary between therapists, there is a common type of deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue massage is also used in some other massage therapies. Swedish massage is a gentler type of massage. However, it can occasionally include higher-pressure techniques that are more similar to deep tissue massage.
Your massage therapist will discuss with you what you want from the massage and any problems that you have. The therapist will begin the massage by warming the muscles with gentle strokes, before moving on to more pressure-based strokes or kneading.
Book a home deep tissue massage
Secret Spa offers both 60 and 90 minute treatments and deep tissue massages at home. Our experienced and trained massage therapists will come to you.
You are looking for a different type or massage? We also offer relaxing Swedish massage sports massage, pregnancy massage reflexology, and lymphatic drainage massage.
